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Education

The UK education and research sector is internationally renowned. Our market-leading team assists in managing the complexities of the rapidly changing legal, commercial and regulatory landscape.

illustration for Education

Education and research transform lives and play a vital role in the flourishing of the UK economy and civic society, operating at the forefront of scientific, medical and technological development.

Educational institutions inhabit the intersection of the public, private and charity sectors, creating a unique combination of legal and regulatory issues.

We have the breadth of experience to help our clients operate successfully in this challenging environment.

Our team of education lawyers are recognised as a leading provider of legal services to the sector, acting for over 120 universities, colleges, national agencies, academies, educational businesses and charities across the UK.

Our education sector experience

As market-leading advisors to the sector, here are some examples of our work:

  • Strategy and conduct of matters: We advise on new institutions, commercial operations, acquisitions, finance/banking, campus redevelopment, student disciplinary issues, research misconduct, FOI and data protection issues, equality and human rights, consumer law, immigration compliance, fitness to practise, pensions and employment issues, charity law, education regulation, procurement, health and safety/inquests, mergers and restructuring, student union issues, litigation.

  • International issues: We collaborate with overseas partners, set up international campuses and handle contentious matters involving jurisdictions around the world. We guided London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in acquiring African research units and advise King’s College London on its international collaborations.

  • Bonds and private placements: We have developed these for the universities of Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Manchester and Southampton, and a number of leading schools.

  • Student accommodation projects: Work in this area includes a £130million project for the University of Hull in collaboration with student accommodation provider, UPP and a £90million project for UCL.

  • Mergers: We helped the Institute of Education merge with University College London. We advised on the merger between St George's, University of London and City, University of London to create a "health powerhouse".

  • Academies: We have acted for Academies Enterprise Trust and London Academies Enterprise Trust on every one of their academy conversions and rebrokerages.

Did you know?

Chambers UK 

Chambers rank us "band 1". Noting we're a "market leader in further and higher education, advising clients on significant legal and policy developments."

75+ jurisdictions

We've supported clients in over 75 jurisdictions, through our links with over 145 law firms in other countries.

Ground-breaking campus development

Acting for the University of Northampton on its £330million Waterside Campus development.

What our clients say about us?

 

“It has been comforting to know that the team at Mills & Reeve were on top of the brief and giving us clear advice.”

A client

“Whatever the issue, Mills & Reeve will have the expertise on hand to advise.”

Education client - Chambers UK

The clients we have provided education law advice for

We act for over 120 education institutions, including universities, colleges, independent schools and academies. Clients having received our education legal advice include:

  • University of Cambridge
  • Birmingham City University
  • The Royal Veterinary College
  • The University of Manchester
  • The British Council
  • The Association of Colleges
  • Bolton College
  • Academies Enterprise Trust
  • Uppingham School

Our education lawyers

Our lawyers invest in long-term client relationships and in understanding the policy, regulatory and commercial context our clients need to operate within.

Talking HEds vlogs

Watch our experts discuss topical issues facing the higher education sector.

Education blog

We bring together the latest public, private and charity law updates for the education sector.

Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI)

We're also a corporate partner to HEPI, the only independent UK HE policy think tank.

Meet our education team